Improving Risk Assessment For Recycled Water: Domestic Laundries And Recreational Parks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,250.00
Summary
Recent droughts in Australia have meant that recycled water is becoming increasingly important to ensure the sustainability of our water resources. There are four different classes of recycled water (Class A, B, C and D), depending on the level of microbiological contamination. The potential level of exposure of the population to recycled water determines the class of water suitable for various reuse purposes. The need to address water recycling issues in Australia has resulted in increasing num ....Recent droughts in Australia have meant that recycled water is becoming increasingly important to ensure the sustainability of our water resources. There are four different classes of recycled water (Class A, B, C and D), depending on the level of microbiological contamination. The potential level of exposure of the population to recycled water determines the class of water suitable for various reuse purposes. The need to address water recycling issues in Australia has resulted in increasing numbers of innovative recycling schemes such as dual reticulation systems which supply two qualities of water to households, one of high quality for drinking and a second piped system delivering treated recycled water for non-potable (non-drinking) use. In this project, we will investigate the safety of using recycled water in different situations by using water with different known concentrations of micro-organisms to simulate recycled waters of different classes. Most state health authorities in Australia do not approve the use of recycled water for machine washing because of a lack of safety data, but its use in laundries could significantly reduce the need for high quality drinking water. We will perform experiments to help determine the safety of using recycled water for rinsing clothes during a washing machine cycle. Another use of recycled water is for irrigation of recreational parks. Because of safety concerns, when recycled water of Class B or C is used, some states advocate that the public must wait at least 4 hours after watering before they can gain access. This time period may be unnecessary. We will perform experiments to assess the potential exposure to micro-organisms in grass for park users at different time periods following irrigation with water of various classes. The information obtained from this project will help in the decision-making of health and water regulatory agencies.Read moreRead less
Advancing water pollution emissions modelling in cities of the future. Advancing water pollution emissions modelling in cities of the future. This project aims to advance stormwater pollution modelling and enhance its link with urban development. Management of stormwater pollution by industry often results in inadequate strategies and, crucially, sub-optimal financial investments. Since this is unlikely to improve in light of urban growth and climate change, addressing decade-old pollution model ....Advancing water pollution emissions modelling in cities of the future. Advancing water pollution emissions modelling in cities of the future. This project aims to advance stormwater pollution modelling and enhance its link with urban development. Management of stormwater pollution by industry often results in inadequate strategies and, crucially, sub-optimal financial investments. Since this is unlikely to improve in light of urban growth and climate change, addressing decade-old pollution modelling knowledge gaps and the lack of a multidisciplinary approach to stormwater pollution management is urgent. The anticipated outcome is a modelling tool which industry can use to manage stormwater pollution in changing cities through smarter and economic technology and policy.Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD: Reducing The Taint In Barramundi Farmed In Recirculating Freshwater Systems
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to p ....Inconsistent quality of farmed barramundi (pond or recirculation system) in the marketplace has been identified by ABFA as a major issue causing buyer resistance and negative market impacts. This is limiting realisation of full revenue return for farmed barramundi. The inconsistency in quality is mainly associated with the presence of ‘earthy’ or ’muddy’ taints derived from planktonic and benthic algae (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi and actinomycetes which are known to produce geosmin (GSM) and 2-methyl isoborneol (MIB). These compounds impart muddy, earthy, musty odour, detectable by the human palate when present at extremely low concentrations in water and fish, and not favoured by consumers (Percival et al., 2008). This project aims to develop an algae-taint production model for recirculation systems. This innovative approach will provide clear and measurable direction for reducing taint compound levels through provision of a practical management tool. Its use will significantly improve knowledge of the balance between water quality, algicide use and purging time and conditions, and taint variability.Read moreRead less
SOLUTIONS For Present And Future Emerging Pollutants In Land And Water Resources Management
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$259,784.00
Summary
The European Union project SOLUTIONS will develop a novel conceptual framework to prioritise chemical contaminants for ecological and human health risk assessment of water resources and fish for human consumption. The Australian partner will implement health-relevant bioanalytical endpoints to inform cumulative risk assessment. The developed concepts and tools will be validated using European river case studies, with the knowledge generated to be transferred to the Australian context.
Improving Access To Safe Water Using Riverbank Filtration Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,056,616.00
Summary
Diarrhoea is a leading cause of death and disease globally, most often due to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. River water is a common water source in India, but water quality is often compromised by contamination. Riverbank Filtration technology (RBF) uses natural treatment processes to improve water quality. This project will investigate the effect of improving water quality via installation of RBF systems on diarrhoea incidence in six rural Indian communities.
Investigating The Incremental Health Benefits Of Improving Water Quantity Versus Improving Water Quality Using Riverbank Filtration Technology (RBF) In Six Rural Communities In India
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Diarrhoea is a leading cause of death and disease globally, largely attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. River water is a common water source in India, but water quality is often compromised by contamination. Riverbank Filtration technology (RBF) is an inexpensive means to improve water quality. This project will investigate the health benefits of improving water quantity versus improving water quality using RBF technology in six rural Indian communities.
Prospective Study Of Birth Defects From Fetotoxic Agents In The Public Water Supply
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$732,036.00
Summary
Recent research in Australia & internationally shows that birth defects are more common in areas where mothers are exposed to poor quality drinking water, particularly when treatment chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THMs) are present. We will determine the risk that high THM levels pose to unborn babies by accurately measuring individual exposures to THMs & correlating these with adverse birth outcomes. The study will be in Perth where THM levels are very high in a number of suburbs.
Water Abstraction Impacts On Flow Dependent Fisheries Species Of The Northern Territory, Australia - A Synthesis Of Current Knowledge And Future Research Needs
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$101,740.68
Summary
The tropical waters of northern Australia contain unique and diverse aquatic species that are adapted to the seasonally variable climate. Many species rely on seasonal river flows to move, forage, reproduce and fulfil critical life history stages, particularly in ephemeral rivers which become disconnected in the dry season. River flows and harvest are known to influence both freshwater and marine fish and fisheries. However, river flows have been modified in several tropical catchments by water ....The tropical waters of northern Australia contain unique and diverse aquatic species that are adapted to the seasonally variable climate. Many species rely on seasonal river flows to move, forage, reproduce and fulfil critical life history stages, particularly in ephemeral rivers which become disconnected in the dry season. River flows and harvest are known to influence both freshwater and marine fish and fisheries. However, river flows have been modified in several tropical catchments by water abstraction and development of water storage infrastructure for agriculture and drinking water. Additionally, there is increasing pressure to develop new water resource infrastructure in northern Australia. A large and disparate body of literature exists that has documented the relationships between tropical fish species and the seasonal variations in river flow. Production of several commercially, recreationally, and traditionally important tropical aquatic species is linked to flow, suggesting that these may be at risk from the multiple pressures of water abstraction and harvesting, warranting the need for a synthesis of current knowledge on water abstraction impacts and identification of knowledge gaps for targeted future research.
We will address this priority task through the delivery of a stakeholder targeted synthesis of current knowledge on the impacts of water abstraction on tropical aquatic species by a team of recognised experts who have worked extensively on the flow dependence of tropical aquatic species in northern Australia. Through this synthesis, we aim to increase stakeholder understanding of water abstraction impacts on aquatic species.
Objectives: 1. Determine key directives for the synthesis during initial meeting in Darwin with the NT government research advisory committee 2. Review and synthesise relevant grey and published literature 3. Identify potential risks of surface water abstraction on priority fish species and identify critical knowledge gaps and future research needs 4. Share the outcomes with project stakeholders and provide research advice Read moreRead less